The entry-level Premium trim comes immediately with fascinating options similar to a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise management, all-wheel drive, a power-adjustable steering column, and extra. Upgrading to the Luxurious trim provides a Mark Levinson stereo system and multi-colored ambient inside lighting, however its bigger wheels lower the RZ’s driving vary, so we would stick to the marginally cheaper Premium mannequin as a substitute.

EV Motor, Energy, and Efficiency

The RZ450e is powered by an all-electric powertrain that Lexus calls Direct4. This dual-motor association is sweet for 308 horsepower and comes customary with all-wheel drive. Acceleration is pretty brisk, however we famous in our preliminary check drive that it isn’t as hair-raising as rivals such because the Jaguar I-Tempo and the Volvo C40 Recharge. At our check monitor, the RZ450e made it to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. A steer-by-wire system is customary, and Lexus has confirmed {that a} yoke-style steering wheel might be supplied as an possibility; an everyday round wheel might be customary, so for those who’re not prepared for a yoke you can opt-out. The steer-by-wire system takes getting used to however as soon as we acquired the cling of it, it proved to be helpful for dealing with.

Vary, Charging, and Battery Life

The RZ450 will use the identical 65.6-kWh battery pack because the bZ4X and Solterra. It is stated to ship as much as 220 miles of driving vary with the bottom 18-inch wheels, whereas the bigger 20-inch wheels drop that estimate to 196 miles. In our testing we recorded a variety of solely 120 miles with the bigger wheels. A 6.6-kW onboard charger is weaker than many rivals, and the RZ’s DC fast-charging capabilities are restricted to 150-kW connections.

Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPGe

Official fuel-economy estimates for the RZ450e present that it is extra environment friendly with the usual 18-inch wheels, which earn EPA rankings of 115 MPGe metropolis and 98 MPGe freeway. With the optionally available 20s, these estimates drop to 102 MPGe metropolis and 87 MPGe freeway. On our 75-mph freeway gas economic system check route, we recorded 68 MPGe. For extra details about the RZ’s gas economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

A simplicity-focused inside design within the RZ’s inside has eliminated many buttons and switches from the dashboard and doorways and relocated these issues to the massive infotainment show. Comparable approaches have been employed in EV fashions from Tesla and Polestar, with various outcomes. Both method, the RZ’s cabin seems to be spacious for a small crossover and fairly upscale, with most surfaces wrapped with fake suede or artificial leather-based.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A big 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the RZ’s dashboard and appears much like the display screen discovered within the gasoline-powered NX SUV. Lexus says the driving force can work together with the system by touching the display screen and likewise by utilizing voice instructions. A digital gauge show and a head-up show are additionally included. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, each with wi-fi connectivity capabilities, are customary.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Like many different new Lexus fashions, the RZ might be supplied with a full suite of normal driver-assistance options, together with adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and automatic emergency braking. Further options might be optionally available, together with an automatic parking function. For extra details about the RZ’s crash check outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

• Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
• Customary adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Lexus supplies a aggressive restricted guarantee and a good higher powertrain guarantee. The automaker additionally features a quick interval of complimentary scheduled upkeep.

• Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Hybrid parts are coated for eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep is roofed for one yr or 10,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs